Summarizing Strategies

Oftentimes, kids are asked to summarize fiction text, but summarizing is a difficult skill to learn. Some kids have trouble picking out the most important parts of the text, while others can pick out the key ideas but don't yet know how to frame or structure their thoughts.

Here are just two ways of many ways students could start to build their summarizing skills: 

1. SWBS (Somebody Wanted But So)

In this method, students think about making one or two statements that include the information of who the story was about (Somebody); his or her goal (what he or she Wants); the conflict (But- what gets in the way?); and what ends up happening (So...). 

​2. Bullet point summary
Who said summaries need to be full sentences? (Ok, maybe your teacher did, but if he or she didn't, feel free to try this format!)

• ​​Where and when is the story taking place, and who is the main character/ protagonist? 
• What is the protagonist's goal, and what gets in the way (conflict/ antagonist)? 
• What does the protagonist do to overcome obstacles and reach his or her goal? (If the goal is not accomplished, you could write that here too).
• Optional 4th bullet point: What, if any, is the lesson or moral of the story?​

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Again, these are just two of many, many ways to summarize text; both are great for short summaries but can also be expanded upon for longer and more detailed summaries as well. Stay tuned for more tips on summarizing and other academic skills necessary for success!